John Forté, the Grammy-nominated musician known for his work with the Fugees and collaborations with Wyclef Jean, has died at the age of 50. Authorities confirmed his death after responding to a report of an unresponsive man at his Massachusetts home. Boston 25 News reported that Forté was pronounced dead at the scene on Monday afternoon.
According to WJAR, Forté, recognized for his contributions to the Fugees' acclaimed album The Score, played a key role in tracks such as "Family Business" and "Cowboys." Chilmark Police Chief Sean Slavin stated that there were no signs of foul play and that the cause of death was not immediately apparent.
Born in Brooklyn, Forté began his musical journey playing the violin in a youth orchestra before turning his focus to hip-hop. Following a 2000 drug-related arrest and a 14-year prison sentence—later commuted by President George W. Bush after seven years—he returned to music, releasing Stylefree the EP in 2009 and reflecting on his experiences in his 2021 album Vessels, Angels & Ancestors.
A versatile artist, Forté’s contributions went beyond his solo work, including collaborations on projects like The Carnival and creating the Brooklyn Nets’ 2012 theme song, “Something to Lean On," as reported by WJAR. He is survived by his wife, Lara Fuller, and their two children.
John Forté—producer, rapper, and violinist—leaves a lasting legacy through the music he created and the artists he influenced. Authorities are conducting a formal investigation into the cause of his death, with updates expected as more information becomes available.
